meditation

I spent several hours of this week at the Art Institute of Chicago contemplating some works of art that are specifically spiritual. I am personally working on some art for my church. This is a study I made of a painting by Peter Paul Rubens titled "St. Francis in meditation". I love the sensitive face, the eyes and hands.  I find that sketching while looking and thinking is the best way for me to really see.

The Lord is my shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd;

 I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul,

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,




I will fear no evil.







for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life.

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

paradise

Plucked on a walk around the neighborhood while visiting Florida. Might have been growing on the neighbor's property?

the cat who does Not like me

She has held a grudge against me for years now. And she does not forget an insult.

The first occasion was when I came to visit with my dog. That was several years ago but she still snarls at me when I arrive at the door.
The second unforgivable offense is when I came to stay for an extended visit and the beloved mistress disappeared  for a few nights returning with (hiss) a newborn baby! Of course she blamed me for the arrival of the baby. Hadn't I been the person who brought a dog? It's only logical that I am to blame for all insulting new disruptions to her household.

good thoughts

number seven

This two year old child is my seventh grandchild. My greatest joy in life is the time I have with these children.

observation of nature

A heightened sense of the observation of nature is one of the chief delights that has come to me through trying to paint. (Winston Churchill)

drawing while witnessing Church baptism

worship band

drawing in Church